Ocala's 352 Preview Magazine 09/24

352 PREVIEW OCALA’S GUIDE TO E NTE RTA INMENT, NIGHTLIFE & FAMILY FUN

09.24 VOLUME 5

NO.12

florida naturalist A LOCAL TRAIL ADVENTURE THAT DELIGHTS ALL THE SENSES

10 +/- Acres in NW Marion County

11 +/- Acres on HWY 42

Property boasts a serene country setting, providing space for you to build the farm of your dreams. Situated amidst some of the most exquisite farms in the area, providing a picturesque view. Located just $1,250,000 15 minutes from WEC and 10 minutes from HITS.

Situated on a paved dead-end road in a wonderful neighborhood, it’s the perfect location for your dream home. Property features its own private lake and a duck pond, making it an excellent bird-watching spot. Driveway is in place, property has been cleared. $280,000

Custom SE Ocala Home

5.79 +/- Acre Gentleman’s Farm

Picturesque 1-acre lot. Open floor plan with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, eat-in kitchen, formal dining room, and office. Spacious owner suite.

Detached garage provides over 1,100 SF of versatile space. Close to Santos Trailhead for biking, hiking, or horseback riding. $549,000

3BR, 3BA split bedroom floor plan with a large living area, spacious kitchen, dining room, and sitting room. Center-aisle CB barn with 8 stalls, separate workshop/storage area. Easy access to WEC, the Florida Horse Park, and Greenways & Trails. $850,000

19 +/- Acres Near The Villages Real country, city close, if you’re a classic car enthusiast, a second homebuyer, or seeking a stunning waterfront building site to realize your dream home, this property is perfect for you. Situated just outside The Villages, this site offers 19+ acres of private family retreat with access to two crystal clear lakes. This extraordinary 2020-built, barn-style home offers 3,500 SF. Large metal building (26’X50’) for storing larger equipment. Water frontage on dual Saddlebag Lakes. Peace and serenity abound at this incredible setting. $1,495,000

Let Me Show You Ocala!

4.89 +/- Acres in Silver Hammock Preserve

Surrounded by mature trees and lovely landscaping, this custom home boasts a private setting and appealing aesthetics. This five-bedroom, three-bathroom, triple-split home has abundant natural light and breathtaking views. Interior is filled with upgrades, including tall ceilings, polished concrete floors, and hand-applied skip trowel finishes on walls. The spacious kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, custom hickory cabinets, a large pantry, and eat-in nook. Outdoor living area impresses with a covered lanai, beautiful pool, pergola, and a generously sized custom fire pit. Includes paddock with power and water, along with three well-maintained sheds. Property is just minutes away from major stores, restaurants, medical facilities, and downtown Ocala. 15 miles from World Equestrian Center. $1,222,865

If you’re considering buying or selling, give us a call today!

List your property with Joan Pletcher... Our results speak for themselves.

For these and other properties, visit JoanPletcher.com for information, videos and more choices.

Call or Text: 352.266.9100 | 352.804.8989 | joan@joanpletcher.com | joanpletcher.com Due to the privacy and at the discretion of my clients, there are additional training centers, estates and land available that are not advertised.

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CONTENTS 09.24

ON THE COVER: FLORIDA NATURALIST EXPERIENCE, PHOTOGRAPHED BY MAVEN PHOTO + FILM

FLORA, FAUNA

Flora & Fauna & Food photo by Maven Photo + Film; Black Swam photo courtesy of Dance Alive National Ballet; Oktoberfest photo courtesy of World Equestrian Center

& FOOD AN OUTDOOR RECREATION AND EDUCATIONAL ECO-TOUR BUSINESS, THE FLORIDA NATURALIST EXPERIENCE SPECIALIZES IN CREATING MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES FOR ANYONE PASSIONATE ABOUT NATURE AND FOOD.

08 | TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN THE 352 & MORE A handy guide to get you going and keep you busy this month.

WATCH 14 | CONCERT SPOTLIGHT

Last-minute tickets and local shows you won’t want to miss.

16 | DATE NIGHT AT THE DISCOVERY CENTER

Couples looking for a unique date night headed to the Discovery Center where they met some of the resident critters.

18 DOWN-HOME DIFFERENCE MAKER

Cliff Dorsey is making it big locally and on the road.

CRAVE 34 | BRATS, BEERS & BUDS

If you can’t travel to Germany this Oktoberfest, a trip to the World Equestrian Center’s Oktoberfest may just be the next best thing.

20 EXPLORE 20 | ON STAGE

For performing arts lovers, the changing of the season signals a whole new offering of theatrical performances, live music and more.

24 | HOW ART HEALS

Arts in Health Ocala Metro offers workshops to connect individuals with the healing power of art.

36 | BITE-SIZED BITS

Restaurant news and foodie fun to keep your palate up to date.

BE MESMERIZED BY THE COSTUMES, DANCING AND MUSIC AS THE EVIL SORCERER VON ROTHBART TRANSFORMS THE PRINCE’S FIANCÉE INTO A SWAN. CAN SHE BE TURNED BACK?

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TOP TEN 09.24

ONE PARKS FOR POLLINATORS BIOBLITZ KICK-OFF EVENT

SEPTEMBER 7 Join us at the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department at Jervey Gantt Park from 4-6pm to kick off the BioBlitz that will happen throughout the entire month across all city parks. At the kickoff event, information and assistance to download the app, plant your own pollinators and more will be provided.

The Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz is an event where community members work with park staff to create a snapshot of the variety of wildlife that can be found in local parks. Participants will use an app, iNaturalist, to take pictures of plants, insects and animals to see what wildlife is present in our parks.

The information collected through the app will help the park system with more information about local pollinators which are essential to our ecosystem. Learn more about the event at ocalafl.gov/recpark.

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2 FIRST

FREE SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 7 Visit the Appleton Museum of Art for Free First Saturday! Enjoy free admission all day to see the permanent collection, special exhibitions and to make art in the Artspace.

At 11am and 2pm, join photographer Theresa Segal for a free tour of her solo exhibition, Common Thread. Tours will meet in the second-floor Balcony Gallery for Florida Artists; no reservations needed to attend. The Donut Express and Little Red’s Chicken & BBQ food trucks will be on-site throughout the day. Saturday hours are 10am-5pm. Learn more at appletonmuseum.org

FESTIVALS OF SPEED SEPTEMBER 14

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Join Festivals of Speed for the ultimate celebration of speed and luxury, featuring more than 175 high-end cars, military vehicles and more! The theme for this month’s show is Salute to Veterans. Meet the owners and enthusiasts, and enjoy the finest food and drinks.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to showcase your vehicle. The event takes place at the World Equestrian Center in expo center 2. General admission is $30, and all service branches both active and retired and veteran military personnel and their immediate family members receive discounted tickets from the website prior to the event.

Children 12 and under are free. Learn more at festivalsofspeed.com.

Free Saturday photo courtesy of The Appleton Museum of Art; Car photo courtesy of Festivals of Speed; Comic Con photo courtesy of Ocala Comic Con

A HANDY GUIDE TO GET YOU GOING AND KEEP YOU BUSY THIS MONTH

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4 MOLLY OF DENALI OPENING DAY

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SEPTEMBER 14 Explore Alaska by way of the Discovery Center’s newest cultural exhibit: Molly of Denali: An Alaskan Adventure, which opens to the public on September 14. In this new exhibit based on the PBS KIDS TV series Molly of Denali, join Molly and her family and friends as you explore the great outdoors of Alaska and learn about Alaska native life. Fly a bush plane, drive a snowmobile, navigate a snow maze in snowshoes, care for sled dogs and go ice fishing as you discover the all-season beauty of Alaska while exploring Alaska Native traditions, language and values. General admission to the Discovery Center is $8 per person or $28 for a family of four. Annual memberships are also available for individuals and families. The exhibit will be open to the public through January 4. Learn more at mydiscoverycenter.org.

OCALA BABY & FAMILY EXPO SEPTEMBER 14 Head to the Paddock Mall from 10am2pm to learn, shop and play! The expo features family-friendly products, services and resources along with fun afterschool programs and important information for expectant parents, families and caregivers.

Plus, there will be informative workshops, fun classes and demos.

All activities are free. Learn more at touchofmagicevents.com.

DATE NIGHT AT THE DISCOVERY CENTER SEPTEMBER 20

INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP SEPTEMBER 21

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Join Silver Springs State Park, the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department and the Marion County Parks and Recreation Department to pick up items around our city and collect data on which items are most common. Groups should register in advance. Find the event on Facebook for registration details.

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Looking for a date night that’s out of this world? Experience the StarLab dome at Date Night at the Discovery Center: Autumn Astronomy. Enjoy light refreshments and activities to kick off the start of fall. The event takes place from 6-8:30pm and is only for adults 18 and over. This is a pre-sale ticket event, and tickets are $30 per couple. Find out more and purchase your ticket at mydiscoverycenter.org.

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CF IRA HOLMES INTERNATIONAL FILM SERIES SEPTEMBER 20 The Ira Holmes International Film Series at the College of Central Florida returns in September with a full season of 12 films from across the globe, plus special events. The season begins with the Belle anime preseason event at 8pm at the Marion Theatre—cosplay welcome! For more details, visit cf.edu/filmseries.

MARION COUNTY HEART WALK SEPTEMBER 21 Join the American Heart Association for the 2024 Marion County Heart Walk. This event raises funds to save lives from No. 1 and No. 5 killers: heart disease and stroke. The event takes place from 8-11am at Citizens’ Circle in downtown Ocala. Check-in begins at 8am, and the walk begins at 9am.

Sign up today and start fundraising at marionheartwalk.org.

OCALA COMIC CON SEPTEMBER 21-22

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The event takes place in WEC’s expo center 1 and features 135,000 square feet of comic books, video games, cosplay, vendors and more. Weekend, individual day and VIP ticket packages available, and kids 10 and under get in free with a paid adult. Visit the website to view and purchase your guest photo op packages in advance. The convention takes place from 10am-6pm on Saturday and 11am-6pm on Sunday.

Learn more at ocalacomiccon.com.

SEP ‘24

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& MORE 09.24 LABOR DAY CELEBRATION SEPTEMBER 2 Celebrate Labor Day at Florida FAST! Dive into the refreshing outdoor pool, frolic in the outdoor spray ground and immerse yourself in themed entertainment. Indulge in delicious fare from FAST Fuel Cafe available for purchase. This celebration is open to the public and free for FAST members. For non-members, it’s just $5 for kids and $10 for adults. Event takes place from 12-3pm. floridafast.com

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CHOIR AUDITIONS BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 3 The Central Florida Master Choir welcomes new choristers to join its ranks. Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings beginning at 7pm on September 3 at Countryside Presbyterian Church in Ocala in preparation for the December 1 and 15 concerts. This season’s major works are Poulenc’s Four Christmas Motets and Durante’s Magnificat, accompanied by GayLyn Capitano and the New Moon String Ensemble. Call Conductor Dr. Harold McSwain at (352) 615-7677 to schedule an audition.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WORKSHOP SEPTEMBER 6 One Health Center, located at 1714 SW 17th Street in Ocala, will host this free workshop from 11am-1pm.

Community leaders will provide pertinent information on what to do before, during and after a hurricane, how to make plans to stay safe, emergency skills and gathering emergency supplies, making a plan to stay connected, how to protect your home and how to determine your best protection for high winds and flooding. For more information about the workshop, contact Brenda Williams at (352) 812-2059.

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK SEPTEMBER 6 First Friday Art Walk takes place the first Friday of each month, September through May, from 6-9pm. First Friday Art Walk is a free event located within Ocala’s historic downtown. Event festivities include over 30 artist displays, monthly live entertainment, free family art activities provided by local arts organizations and extended shopping hours. Participating visual artists are located along the downtown sidewalks next to participating businesses. There are a variety of art mediums on display and for sale. The main entertainment is located in the downtown gazebo. September’s main entertainment performer is Jeff Jarrett with an intermission by Sheila Ruotolo Dance Company. ocalafl.gov/artwalk

11TH ANNUAL HOOKED UP FOR TATA’S FISHING TOURNAMENT DOGGIE & ME ICE CREAM SOCIAL SEPTEMBER 6-7 SEPTEMBER 6 Register your team for this Grab your furry friend and head to the Marion Oaks Community Dog Park for an ice cream social. This is a free event to the community and takes place at 11am. For more information, call (352) 438-2830.

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tournament that has helped raise over $90,000 for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer over the past 10 years. Event takes place at the Plantation

at Crystal River, and more than $25,000 in cash and prizes is up for grabs. The captain’s party, meeting and auction will take place at 6:30pm on Friday, and Saturday is tournament day.

Team registration after August 1 is $150. Find the event on eventbrite.com to register or email info@ReelActionPromotions.com.

COLOR POP! MCA EXHIBIT SEPTEMBER 6-28 The Color Pop! art exhibition is a vibrant celebration of contemporary art, bursting with bold hues and dynamic expressions. Held at the Brick City Center for the Arts, this exhibition features a captivating collection of works from both established and emerging MCA artists. Each piece showcases the power of color to evoke emotions, tell stories and transform spaces. mcaocala.org

FURRY FRIENDS EXHIBITION SEPTEMBER 7 Join the Appleton Museum of Art for a special event, in partnership with the Humane Society of Marion County, from 10am2pm. The Appleton is hosting an Adoptable Animal event where you can meet adorable pets looking for loving homes.

As a bonus, enjoy free entry to the museum during the event. appletonmuseum.org

2ND ANNUAL FIRST RESPONDERS CAR & TRUCK SHOW SEPTEMBER 7 Head to the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing from 10am2pm for the 2nd Annual First Responders Car, Truck and Bike Show. All proceeds benefit Deputy Andy Lahera. All makes and models are welcome. The Taco Trailer will be on-site selling food. Find the event on Facebook for details.

PORTALS OF PERCEPTION EXHIBIT OPENING SEPTEMBER 7 8th Ave. Gallery is excited to announce Heather Dawn Batchelor’s solo exhibition entitled Portals of Perception. The exhibit unveiling will take place from 6-9pm. Portals of Perception transcends the physical to offer a glimpse of the spiritual within Heather’s colorful and dynamic abstract expressionism.

8thavegallery.com

WORKOUT WITH THE MAYOR SEPTEMBER 7 Join City of Ocala Recreation and Parks staff along with City Mayor Ben Marciano for a family-friendly workout designed for all ages and abilities. The event takes place from 9-10am at the Fort King National Historic Landmark. ocalafl.gov

GIRLS NIGHT OUT SEPTEMBER 7 Get ready to celebrate yourself and your girls during a Girls Night Out event hosted by The Imprint Duo at the Ocala Downtown Market from 6-9pm. This event is all about celebrating yourself, your besties and female-owned businesses, while embracing products and services that are tailored just for you.

Discover a large variety of nearly 100 local Central Florida femaleowned vendors offering everything from boutique shopping to sweets to art and fantastic services. The event is free and includes a talented female DJ, multiple photo book opportunities and food trucks. Find the event on Facebook for details.

DOGGONE GOOD READING SEPTEMBER 7 Children grades first through fifth are invited to come read to a Humane Society of Marion County dog at 11am and 1pm. Class is for one hour and starts promptly. A parent/ guardian must accompany the child and stay at the shelter (in a separate CONTINUED ON PG.12

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OCALA VINTAGE THRIFT MARKET SEPTEMBER 15

This Vintage Thrift Market will take place at the Ocala Downtown Market from 11am-4pm. This will be the first of a quarterly Join the Humane Society of Marion event series and will feature County at their new cat event for everything from clothing, belts, children ages 10-15. Children ages handbags, shoes and accessories, 10, 11, and 12 are invited to attend to antiques, records, collectibles, from 2:30-3pm, and children ages furniture, vintage retro items and 13, 14 and 15 will be from 3-3:30pm. more. Changing rooms will be HSMC will provide treats, toys, on-site as well as live music, food cat-nip and more for your friend, trucks and more. Parking and and drinks and comfy blankets admission are free. Find the event will be provided for the kids. on Facebook for details.

Find the event on Facebook for registration details.

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BELLEVIEW FREEDOM WALK SEPTEMBER 11 The City of Belleview invites the community to join together at 6pm at the Belleview Community Center for an event dedicated to remembering those lost in the attacks of September 11, 2001 and honoring the first responders who continue to serve our community today. The evening will feature remarks by several community leaders, after which participants will take a brief walk around the park and Lake Lillian, a reflective moment to conclude the evening in solidarity. belleviewfl.org

11TH ANNUAL BUNCO TOURNAMENT SEPTEMBER 14 The Bunco Babes Ocala presents its 11th Annual Bunco Tournament, Unmask A Cure, benefiting the breast cancer organization MichelleO-Gram. The event features prizes, auction items, a cash bar, costume contest and 50/50 chance drawing. The event takes place at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion Conference Building.

Doors open at 5pm, and the dice roll at 6:30pm. Purchase tickets for $30 at eventcreate.com/e/ buncobabesocala11.

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A HISTORY OF FLORIDA’S MOBSTERS, HITMEN, & WISE GUYS SEPTEMBER 19

Master the Possibilities will host Doug Kelly, who presents information from his book, which is a vivid, wild ride through a century of Mafia lore. His book tells stories of organized crime rings that settled in Florida and made the state their base of operations for bootlegging, gambling, extortion, money laundering and drug running. The presentation will take place from 10-11:30am, and the cost is $11 for members and $16 for the general public. masterthepossibilities.org

FRIDAY FOODIE FEST SEPTEMBER 20 Join the City of Belleview at Lake Lillian from 5-9pm for an evening of delicious food and fun. Indulge in tasty treats from your favorite food trucks, enjoy free family-friendly activities, including face painting, train rides and crafts, plus explore booths from local businesses, while enjoying great music. belleviewfl.org

FLORIDA ART SPEAKER SEPTEMBER 21 Friends of the Ocala Library, in conjunction with Florida Humanities, will present Dr. Keri

Watson, professor of art history at the University of Central Florida, at 11am on September 21, at the main branch of the Ocala library.

The topic is “Picturing Paradise: From John James Audubon to the Florida Highwaymen,” discussing the history of Florida art. Free to the public. Find the event on the Friends of the Ocala Library Facebook page.

GIRLS IN AVIATION DAY SEPTEMBER 21 Head to the main terminal of the Ocala International Airport for a free, aviation-themed event full of activities and surprises. This celebration is dedicated to honoring and inspiring women in the field of aviation. Enjoy meet and greets with women pilots, aviation professionals and special guests, plus interactive aviation exhibits, flight simulators, giveaways and more. The event takes place from 10am-2pm. Find the event on Facebook for details.

NIGHT OF HOPE SEPTEMBER 26 Join the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Marion County Children’s Alliance in honoring the victims and survivors of domestic violence.

Tickets are $40 per person, and free childcare is available for children ages 2 and up. The event features dinner, music, giveaways, survivor stories, vendors and a special keynote speaker. The event takes place from 5:30-8pm at the College of Central Florida. To purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/NOH2024.

FALLTOBERFEST SEPTEMBER 28 The Town Square at Circle Square Commons will host Falltoberfest from 5-9pm. This event is free and open to the public and features live entertainment, dancing, food trucks, family-friendly games and more. circlesquarecommons.com

6TH ANNUAL FALL ARTS MCBIA CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT & CRAFT SHOW SEPTEMBER 21 SEPTEMBER 28 The Marion County Builders Industry Association is hosting a cornhole tournament starting at 10am at the Elks Lodge in Ocala.

Proceeds will benefit the Elks Lodge Scholarships Charity and Ocala’s construction industry. Both amateur and professional divisions are available for single players or a team. Email office@mcbia.org to sign up for the tournament.

EXHIBIT OPENING SEPTEMBER 22 The public is invited to the opening reception for the Fall All-Media Exhibit at Chelsea Art Center, from 1-3pm. This exhibition will showcase a diverse range of art by exceptional local artists who work in oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, encaustic, mixed media and more.

This is a free event. Meet the artists, and enjoy demonstrations and light refreshments. chelseaartcenter.com

Countryside Presbyterian Church is hosting its Fall Arts & Crafts Show from 9am-1pm at 7768 SW Hwy 200 in Ocala. The show features a variety of talented local craftsmen and artisans, as well as the popular basket raffle and bake sale. Also, don’t forget to stop by The Country Café for a yummy treat. Contact Deanna Smith at smithdeanna@mac.com for additional information.

SOLE SEARCHERS SNEAKER CON SEPTEMBER 29 This event is the ultimate gathering for sneakerheads to buy, sell and trade the hottest kicks in town.

Attendees can also enjoy a DJ, food trucks, drinks, raffles and vendors.

The event takes place from 12-6pm at the Ocala Downtown Market.

For more information, email mr_ lace5242@yahoo.com or find the event on Facebook.

support can reduce symptoms and and imbalances in these Reddy 4 Relief! prolactin, improve quality of life without the hormones can contribute to symptoms

M

enopause, a natural biological transition, often brings a range of symptoms that can affect a woman’s quality of life. Understanding the roles of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands can provide insight into why these symptoms occur and how they might be managed more effectively.

The hypothalamus, a small but crucial brain region, acts as the body’s command center for many functions, including the regulation of the endocrine system. During perimenopause and menopause, the hypothalamus is essential for regulating hormones, especially those related to reproductive functions. When the hypothalamus is not functioning optimally, it can lead to symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats due to its role in managing body temperature.

The pituitary gland, known as the “master gland,” is a pea-sized structure at the brain’s base that controls other endocrine glands. It releases hormones in response to signals from the hypothalamus. As ovarian function declines, these hormones increase, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and other symptoms. The pituitary also produces growth hormone and

such as weight gain, fatigue, and mood swings.

The adrenal glands, located atop the kidneys, produce hormones like cortisol, adrenaline, and small amounts of sex hormones. During perimenopause, the body increasingly relies on the adrenal glands for estrogen production as ovarian function declines.

Chronic stress can elevate cortisol levels, impairing adrenal function and exacerbating symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, and weight gain. The adrenal glands also produce androgens, and if adrenal function is compromised, estrogen levels drop, and the body may increase androgen production, leading to symptoms such as hair loss, acne, and changes in libido.

Addressing and supporting the health of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands can help manage perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms without resorting to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). While HRT can alleviate symptoms and prevent bone loss, it carries risks such as increased chances of heart disease, stroke, breast cancer, blood clots, and other health issues.

Therefore, a personalized approach involving lifestyle changes, stress management, and comprehensive

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NOVEMBER 6 AMALIE ARENA, TAMPA

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MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS NOVEMBER 12 MAHAFFEY THEATER, ST PETERSBURG

P!NK

NOVEMBER 18 CAMPING WORLD STADIUM, ORLANDO

KACEY MUSGRAVES

NOVEMBER 29 AMALIE ARENA, TAMPA DECEMBER 2 KIA CENTER, ORLANDO

KANSAS

FEBRUARY 1 HARD ROCK LIVE ORLANDO

ALAN JACKSON

MARCH 7 KIA CENTER, ORLANDO

SEP 14 | ORANGE BLOSSOM OPRY With Howard Decker’s lifelong passion and admiration for George Strait’s legacy, the Strait Country Tribute strives to recreate the magic of King George’s world-famous performances.

From classics like “Amarillo By Morning” to heartfelt ballads like “Check Yes or No,” Decker brings the authenticity and charm that George Strait fans crave to see and hear.

TRES SOULS

SEP 21 | UPSTAGE AT THE PHILLIPS CENTER, UF PERFORMING ARTS Tres Souls has been capturing hearts one ballad at a time. A modern embodiment of the vintage sounds of the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema, they will transport you to a more romantic time. You don’t need to speak Spanish to understand the emotion conveyed by the gorgeous melodies of this L.A.based bolero band.

FATE, GOBLINS, AND THE MOTHERSHIP

OCT 19 & 20 | REILLY ARTS CENTER

Dive into an electrifying program of music with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra that spans from the cosmos to the depths of mythical waters and the impassioned human heart. Mason Bates’ Mothership offers a vibrant, pulsating piece, while Dvořák’s Water Goblin is a captivating piece that weaves a tale of love, tragedy and a supernatural world. Tchaikovsky’s powerful Symphony No. 4 rounds out this performance.

Photo courtesy of Reilly Arts Center

NICKI MINAJ

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WATCH

DATE NIGHT AT THE DISCOVERY CENTER

MEXICAN FIRELEG

JENN & JACOB KRUSWICKI

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JUSTIN MACDONALD

AUG 9 | DISCOVERY CENTER

C

ouples looking for a unique date night headed to the Discovery Center last month where they not only enjoyed refreshments and snacks (as well as kid-free time!) but also met some of the Discovery Center’s resident critters and worked together on animal-themed projects.

The Discovery Center is the City of Ocala’s local children’s museum where both kids and adults alike can learn in a fun, hand-on way through exploration and discovery. Check out future Date Night events and upcoming exhibits at mydiscoverycenter.org/events.

WILLOW HEATHERLY & CHANDLER REEDER, DISCOVERY CENTER EMPLOYEES

JULIA AMBROSIA & ALISON SOLOMON, DISCOVERY CENTER EMPLOYEES

LUNA & KENNY KRUGER, MATT REAVER & MONICA SHEN

RACHEL REMY & CHESTER JONES

CHRIS & BREE HALL

ARGENTINE BLACK & WHITE TEGU 16

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

FUNDING THE CURE OCALA ROYAL DAMES FOR CANCER RESEARCH HAS BEEN FUNDING CANCER RESEARCH IN CENTRAL FLORIDA SINCE 1987.

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s the second leading cause of death worldwide, cancer is to blame for one in every six deaths. That translates to more than 610,000 cancer deaths in the U.S. each year.

Changing those statistics is the mission behind a dedicated group of women who have declared war on cancer through research.

Founded by Theresa Castro, the Ocala Royal Dames for Cancer Research, Inc. became a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization in February 1987 and has been funding cancer research in Central Florida ever since. Having been a member of the original Royal Dames in Ft. Lauderdale, Castro already knew that a group of women who are passionate about their cause can make a huge impact.

Thanks to the efforts of the all-volunteer LET’S CURE CANCER organization and generous donations, the Ocala Royal Dames has We have matching donors!

ISMAT PERVIN, M.D., PATRICIA SOKOL, DEBBIE JEAN CRAIG, BERNADETH "BERN" PARAISO raised over $4 million for SEPTEMBER 17TH 18TH cancer research. online, you designate where your donation goes, Because donations “We fund research and we have matching donors.” are the lifeblood of the and cutting-edge studies SCAN TO Hosted by the Community Foundation Ocala organization, great eff ort at the UF Shands Cancer DONATE & Marion County, Give4Marion is an annual goes into raising funds.

Center and at Moffitt online giving event that specifically benefits The Ocala Royal Dames Cancer Centers and also verifi ed 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofits that are host their annual Night fund scholarships at headquartered or provide services in Ocala/ of a Million Dreams the College of Central OCALAROYALDAMES.ORG Marion County. event, hosted and Florida,” notes Bernadeth The 2024 Give4Marion event takes place chaired by Debbie Craig “Bern” Paraiso, who September 17-18. Make your donation and make with co-chair Chris Davis, on March 29, 2025, serves as a Board of Trustees member and a diff erence! at Circle Square Cultural Center in Ocala.

But marketing chair. you don’t have to wait that long to contribute Paraiso joined the Ocala Royal Dames in to finding a cure.

2000 and is one of the many members who An ideal way to participate is during the are fueled by firsthand experiences in the Give4Marion event, chaired by Debbie Craig, battle against cancer. In 2013, Paraiso was which utilizes the vast power of social media and an identical bone marrow transplant donor GIVE FOR MARION collaboration to raise funds and awareness for to her older sister, Ellen Schmidt. The bone give4marion.org/donate worthy local charities. marrow collection was accomplished via OCALA ROYAL DAMES “Last year, we raised about $10,000 through peripheral stem cell, and happily, Ellen is a ocalaroyaldames.org this event,” says Paraiso. “When you donate cancer survivor. facebook.com/ocalaroyaldames

Save the Date

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WATCH

DOWN-HOME DIFFERENCE MAKER CLIFF DORSEY IS MAKING IT BIG LOCALLY AND ON THE ROAD. WRITTEN BY CYNTHIA MCFARLAND

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ne goal can change everything.

For Cliff Dorsey, that happened when he started guitar lessons at Music Junction in 2009 in High Springs, Florida.

“I was really shy and thought if I could just learn three songs on the guitar, that’d be a good goal,” recalls Cliff, who was 15 at the time.

Born and raised in High Springs, Cliff hails from a down-home family where country music was the soundtrack to SEP 21 | 7-10PM their lives. His dad drove HIGH SPRINGS BREWING COMPANY freight trains for CSX, and his mom cut hair SEP 27 & 28 | 11AM-6PM BOTH DAYS at Jerry’s Barber Shop.

ST. AUGUSTINE LOCAL SONGWRITERS Along with his parents SESSIONS AT PIERRE’S PUB and older brother, Dusty, SEP 29 | 6-9PM Cliff spent plenty of time EL PATIO IN HIGH SPRINGS hunting and fishing.

WITH CLAY BROOKER Hearing Josh Turner in Nashville since on the radio singing 0CT 5 | 6-9PM March 2023.

“Long Black Train” was a PONCE SYKES CORN MAZE, With two EPs and a pivotal moment.

SYKES FAMILY FARMS, ELKTON full album to date, he’s “I literally said, ‘Lord, released 26 songs, most if I had a voice like that, OCT 12 & 13 | 2-5PM BOTH DAYS of which are original. His I’d do something with it,’” PUMPKIN FESTIVAL AT THE BRYER debut EP New Neon was Cliff remembers.

PATCH BRYER PATCH NEWBERRY nominated for a Josie He got his chance early OCT 20 | 2-5PM Award this year. in 2010 when his mom SUWANNEE BELLE LANDING, OLD TOWN His song, “Raise volunteered him to sing One,” is a tribute to the song at church. Two OCT 24 | 7-10PM military and first years after that first solo COUNTRY NIGHT AT COLONIAL OAK responders serving their performance, he played MUSIC PARK WITH CLIFF DORSEY & BAND, communities. His latest his first official show at ST. AUGUSTINE single, “Your Guess,” was Newberry BBQ. released June 14. Cliff’s With his signature newest songs will be out soon: “Stop This Train” baritone, Cliff has built a devoted fan base that (September 20) and “When I Think Aldean” continues to grow as he and his band perform (November 8). coast to coast. A full-time musician since the “For me, it’s all about the song. Country music age of 21, Cliff turns 30 on September 26 and is about storytelling. I love making people feel is enjoying every minute of the ride. He’s lived

2024 FLORIDA SCHEDULE

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something, building relationships and doing what I can to raise money for good causes,” says Cliff, who hosts his second annual fundraiser for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation from August through October.

He had his own booth at the CMA Fan Fest in June where he interacted with hundreds of fans.

“It’s really amazing to see how country music has spread and to see people react to my new music,” says Cliff, who played two shows at Gilley’s in Las Vegas in July and does radio station appearances around the country.

In 2023 alone, Cliff traveled over 40,000 miles, not including air miles.

“I’m getting to see a lot of the U.S. and am eager to use that passport and get out of the country, too,” he says.

Follow Cliff on social media and visit cliffdorsey.com to stay informed about new releases and performances.

WALL: FIVE DECADES OF CONTEMPORARY ART

Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store

Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala, FL | AppletonMuseum.org

-an equal opportunity college-

Learn More

(left to right) Salvador Dalí, “Wailing Wall,” 1975, Anonymous donation; Julie Blackmon, “Birds at Home,” 2007, Gift of Linda Appleton Potter; Lee Krasner, “Embrace, from the Superlative U.S. Olympic Editions,” 1976, Gift of CVI Art Management and Art for Education.

SEP ‘24

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EXPLORE Times says, “Every American should see this play.”

OCT 12-26 | EVERY BRILLIANT THING NOV 29-DEC 23 | HONKY TONK ANGELS HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR OCALA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA reillyartscenter.com/symphony/ orchestra

OCT 26 | METROPOLIS: SILENT FILM + ORCHESTRA

THE COOLER TEMPERATURES (WISHFUL THINKING?) SIGNAL THAT FALL IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER, OUR FAVORITE SEASON TO GET OUT AND EXPERIENCE ALL THAT CENTRAL FLORIDA HAS TO OFFER. FOR PERFORMING ARTS LOVERS, THOUGH, THE CHANGING OF THE SEASONS SIGNALS A WHOLE NEW OFFERING OF THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES, LIVE MUSIC AND MORE. CHECK OUT SOME OF THE NEARBY OFFERINGS IN THIS YEAR’S FALL ARTS PREVIEW. COMPILED BY KARIN FABRY-CUSHENBERY

CIRCLE SQUARE CULTURAL CENTER csculturalcenter.com

SEP 25 | DIRECT FROM SWEDEN: THE MUSIC OF ABBA

Throughout the 1970s the music of ABBA helped shape a generation.

This theatrical production is the closest you can get nowadays to a true ABBA experience. Dance and sing along to ABBA’s greatest hits like “Dancing Queen,” “Waterloo,” “Fernando, “Take a Chance” and more, performed 100 percent live.

OCT 5 | BEGINNINGS: A CELEBRATION OF THE MUSIC OF CHICAGO NOV 16 | LIGHTS OUT: THE JERSEY BEACH BOYS 20

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OCALA CIVIC THEATRE

THE HIPPODROME, GAINESVILLE

ocalacivictheatre.com

thehipp.org

NOV 7-24 | THE GLASS MENAGERIE

OCT 11-27 | WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME

Life isn’t easy for Amanda Wingfield and her two grown kids in 1930s St. Louis. Son Tom, who escapes with alcohol, is the man of the house following his father’s abandonment, and daughter Laura is too shy for words, opting to instead retreat into her collection of fragile glass animals. But then one day a gentleman caller visits Amanda and the family’s life begins to change.

Politics and government are often topics that are off limits for many. But this Pulitzer Prize finalist and Tony Award nominee takes that rule and throws it out the window. And the comedic, moving, inspiring antics that take place are more than worth it. When she was 15 years old, Heidi Schreck won debate competitions throughout the country by defending the U.S. Constitution. Now, as an adult, she is exploring what one of our country’s founding documents means to four generations of women in her family. The Seattle

SEP 5-22 | RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA DEC 4-15 | A TUNA CHRISTMAS

NOV 24 | MESSIAH COMMUNITY SING-ALONG REILLY ARTS CENTER reillyartscenter.com

OCT 27 | PHANTASMAGORIA XV “GRIM AND GRIMMER TALES” It’s been described as whimsical macabre. The stories will send a chill down your spine as the troupe performs tales through folk, legend, literature and much more.

This evocative story includes a bit of everything, from dance and puppetry to projections, lights and more.

SEP 6 | THE BOSS PROJECT: A TRIBUTE TO BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN SEP 27 | STAIRWAY TO ZEPPELIN OCT 3 | SILENT DISCO OCT 11 | FRONTIERS: A TRIBUTE TO JOURNEY OCT 17 | BILLY BOB THORNTON & THE BOXMASTERS

Phantasmagoria photo courtesy of Reilly Arts Center

ON STAGE

This Ocala Symphony Orchestra production is a treat for not only the ears but also the eyes. The orchestra continues its tradition of performing live in front of a film backdrop, this time the science fiction drama Metropolis featuring Brian Satterwhite’s brilliant soundtrack.

At the same time, the orchestra will screen Giorgio Moroder’s remastered version of the film from 1984, which is suitable for all ages.

Qualified attendees will enjoy a complimentary lunch and exciting raffle prizes throughout the event!

FREE

Health Expo

Fundraiser for Breast Cancer

DATE: Friday, September 27 TIME: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

LOCATION: One Health Center 1714 SW 17th Street PHONE:

(352) 553-0332

Sponsors RBOI HCA Healthcare

American Cancer Society

Furniture Solutions of Florida

TOPS: Taking Off Pounds Sensibly

Shands

Encompass Health and Rehab

MASA Conquest Research The Windsor of Ocala AARP

Hospice of Marion County Empath Home Health

ALL proceeds go to the American Cancer Society

Master Gardeners from UF-Marion County Extension Services Dr. Evans Pembra - Ocala Hears Audiology Baldwin Brothers Select Labs Hawthorne Estates of Ocala

Powered by

Hands Up Communication

United Healthcare

CarePlus

Humana

Ultimate

Freedom Health

Marion Senior Services

Ocala Oaks Rehabilitation Center

Ocala Fire Rescue

Strive Therapy

Shannon Mulkey Law Firm

Captel- Captioned Phones

Guided Solutions

EXPLORE OCT 9 | THE PLAIN WHITE T’S

NOV 22 | MUSICAL COCKTAIL PARTY WITH EVANS HAILE… PART DEUX!

OCT 10 | A FLOCK OF SEAGULLS

DEC 20 | BLUES IN THE BOX: DAMON FOWLER

OCT 30 | SERGIO BERNAL DANCE COMPANY

NOV 23 | ABSOLUTE QUEEN TRIBUTE

OCT 15 | TAKE ME HOME:

NOV 1 | MICHAEL CLEVELAND & FLAMEKEEPER

DEC 5 | CHRISTMAS CAROLS AND UGLY SWEATERS

NOV 6-7 | DEAR EVAN HANSON

NOV 7 | UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA SYMPHONY OCHESTRA MAHLER’S RESURRECTION SYMPHONY

THE MUSIC OF JOHN DENVER STARRING JIM CURRY

DEC 6 | THE EDGE EFFECT PRESENTS UNDER THE MISTLETOE

icehousetheatre.com

YOUNG & AFRAID

NOV 17 | PARKER QUARTET

DEC 7 | JOHNNY WILD & THE DELIGHTS CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR

NOV 15-DEC 15 | TOOTSIE

NOV 13 | SMASH MOUTH

DEC 5 | VOCTAVE: IT FEELS LIKE CHRISTMAS

DEC 14 | LET’S HANG ON (FRANKIE VALLI TRIBUTE)

DEC 19-22 | DANCE ALIVE NATIONAL BALLET PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER

ACROSSTOWN REPERTORY THEATRE, GAINESVILLE

THE ICEHOUSE THEATRE, MOUNT DORA

Tootsie is a classic that has been told through play, book and movie, and now the IceHouse Theatre is bringing the production to life. Actor Michael Dorsey is out of work more often than not and desperate to find himself a paying gig. In an attempt to secure the job, he transforms himself into actress Dorothy Michaels.

SEP 13-OCT6 | THE ODD COUPLE THE VILLAGES ENTERTAINMENT thevillagesentertainment.com

SEP 24-OCT 19 | THE VOTE Paola Aguilar, a university professor, is ready to become a mother… she needs more money to make it happen. Then, THE Political Party offers her a substantial amount of money to help them understand the Hispanic/Latino/Latina/ Latinx/Latine vote. Can she explain the nuances of her culture and community enough to help them win the election? This satirical comedy is for a mature audience only and contains topics not appropriate for children.

SEP 14 | AN EVENING WITH COMEDIAN BOBBY COLLINS

NOV 12-DEC 14 | WHEN WE WERE

NOV 21 | FLOYD NATION DEC 3 | VOCTAVE: IT FEELS LIKE CHRISTMAS DEC 4 | THE NUTCRACKER DEC 10-12 | TINA: THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL DEC 17-18 | THE VILLAGES PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: HOLIDAY CELEBRATION 2024 UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA PERFORMING ARTS performingarts.ufl.edu

ORANGE BLOSSOM OPRY obopry.com

OCT5 | ROCKET MAN – ELTON JOHN TRIBUTE Elton John’s official 1970s body double, Rus Anderson, was chosen by the star himself, and now he presents The Rocket Man Show where he performs Elton’s greatest hits bringing the Elton John experience to life.

SEP7 | TY HERNDON SEP 14 | THE ULTIMATE GEORGE STRAIT TRIBUTE SEP 27 | DANCE ALIVE NATIONAL BALLET’S SWAN LAKE Be mesmerized by the costumes, dancing and music as the evil sorcerer Von Rothbart transforms the prince’s fiancée into a swan.

Can she be turned back? This family-friendly production is back by popular demand.

SEP 20 | SEAN MASON QUARTET

SEP 21 | KENNY ROGERS – AN EVENING WITH THE GAMBLER

TOM PETTY TRIBUTE

SEP 28 | JAHARI STAMPLEY TRIO

SEP 30 | THE MOTOWNERS

OCT 9 | AN EVENING WITH DAVID SEDARIS

NOV 2 | CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG BY LAUREN CANYON

OCT 13 | CIRCAS HUMANS 2.0

NOV 9 | FLEETWOOD MASK

OCT 25 | DRACULA AND VAMPYRA!

NOV 16 | STEVIE RAY VISITED– A TRIBUTE TO STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN

OCT 2 | QUEEN NATION OCT 3 | THE SEGER EXPERIENCE OCT 6 | SPIN DOCTORS 22

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SEP 12-29 | BEE-LUTHER-HATCHEE OCT 24-NOV10 | DRACULA: A COMEDY OF TERRORS DEC 12-22 | KEN LUDWIG’S THE GAME’S AFOOT The play tells the story of Broadway star William Gillette who invites his fellow cast members to a weekend of Christmas revelry at his Connecticut castle. The fun comes to a crashing halt though after one of the guests is found stabbed to death. It’s a good thing Gillette thinks of himself as Sherlock Holmes, the master detective. It’s up to Gillette to solve the crime before another victim turns up.

OCT 12 | CRUSH – BON JOVI TRIBUTE GAINESVILLE COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE OCT 19 | CAPTURED – A JOURNEY gcplayhouse.org TRIBUTE SEP 20-OCT 6 | JOSEPH AND OCT 26 | THE PINK THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR FLOYD EXPERIENCE DREAMCOAT OCT 29-30 | HOTEL CALIFORNIA – A SALUTE TO THE EAGLES

SEP 17 | THE PETTY ROCKERS:

acrosstown.org

This story, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, follows the rags to riches Biblical tale of Joseph, his father Jacob and his 11 brothers. And don’t forget the coat of many colors! The tale is told through catchy songs in a variety of genres.

NOV 22-DEC 15 | MATILDA

Swan Lake photo courtesy of Dance Alive National Ballet

NOV 9 | CREEDENCE REVIVED

PAIN RELIEF IS JUST A STRETCH AWAY GET STRETCH’D PROVIDES ONE-ON-ONE ASSISTED STRETCHING TO INCREASE FLEXIBILITY, MITIGATE PAIN AND IMPROVE OVERALL HEALTH.

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ay-to-day life, stress and aging all take a toll on your body. Whether you’re dealing with aches and pains, a job that keeps you at a desk, strenuous athletic activities or a demanding schedule that creates both physical and mental stress, one-on-one assisted stretching can provide you with vital relief and both immediate and long-term solutions. Stretching is a necessity for range of motion, flexibility and preventing imbalances that can cause issues like sciatica, back, knee and hip pain.

Get Stretch’d, Ocala’s premier, family-owned stretching studio located in Churchill Square Shopping Center, next to Publix, as well as Zone West Health & Fitness at Market Street at Heath Brook Shopping Center can address those issues and get you feeling your best. If you’d like to see a quick YouTube video of an assisted stretch demo, scan the QR code in this ad.

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4414 SW College Rd., Ste. 1012 (352) 820-3911 getstretchedocala.com getstretchedocala getstretchedocala

SEP ‘24

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EXPLORE

HOW ART HEALS ARTS IN HEALTH OCALA METRO OFFERS WORKSHOPS TO CONNECT INDIVIDUALS WITH THE HEALING POWER OF ART. WRITTEN BY CYNTHIA MCFARLAND

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rt does more than share ideas and spark creativity. Art actually helps heal.

This powerful truth is the motive behind Arts in Health Ocala Metro (AIHOM), a non-profit organization that connects art and healing. Since February 2023, AIHOM has held over 500 workshops, serving more than 3,800 individuals with powerful art interactions at 17 Marion County organizations.

Founder Lisa Irwin was inspired by the healing stories she heard from the Shands Arts in Medicine program and set out to launch a similar program in Ocala.

“My main reason for wanting to start an Arts in Health program here in Marion County was the 30 years of scientific data that art can heal,” says Irwin.

“For millennia, art has played a part in the health of communities. Although we know that art heals, we want to prove it,” says Patricia Tomlinson, executive director.

“We keep data on every art interaction we facilitate and then evaluate that information to show that ‘Art Heals, Science Proves it.’”

Tomlinson adds that the body-mind connection is a powerful one.

“Science shows us that positive mental

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health leads to a healthier body and vice versa,” she says. “Extensive studies show participation in the arts leads to healthier, happier people who not only live longer and have better quality of life but also present significant savings to entities such as insurance companies because healthier people file fewer claims and there is less strain on medical resources.”

Workshops include music, dance and performing and visual arts ventures led by artists who serve the community through participant-led artmaking based on what the participants want to create, whether that be painting, dancing, writing or making music.

Participants include both children and adults and include a wide range of individuals, from pre-K students to teens, speech pathology patients, intellectually

disabled adults, dementia patients and more.

The artist practitioners leading the workshops also have extensive training on working with those in hospitals, survivors of trauma, those who are neurodivergent and other vulnerable populations. Most workshops take place at the facilities of the organizations served by AIHOM, which includes residential facilities, and volunteers are always needed to assist the artist practitioners.

Interested in supporting AIHOM? Get involved through the upcoming Give4Marion campaign and the Silent Disco fundraiser on October 3.

ARTS IN HEALTH OCALA METRO (352) 723-5444 facebook.com/aihocala aihocala.org

352 MARKETPLACE

BAKERY

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MILANO ITALIAN GRILLE 5400 SW College Rd.| Ocala (352) 304-8549 milanotogo.com

HEALTH & FITNESS

FREE COMMUNITY EVENT LISTINGS

ENTERTAINMENT LEWIS STOKES LEWIS STOKES SOUND SYSTEMS Award-winning Radio DJ & Wedding Entertainer (352) 355-2217 lstokes93@yahoo.com

EVOLVE POWER YOGA Yoga classes, light therapy & cold plunge 923 N Magnolia Ave., Ste. 1300 | Ocala (352) 234-3867 evolvepoweryoga.com evolvepoweryoga evolve_power_yoga

FOOD & BEVERAGE

BRAISED ONION 754 NE 25th Ave.| Ocala (352)620-9255 braisedonion.com

RISING PHOENIX MARTIAL ARTS Proudly Veteran Owned Empowering Ocala Through Quality Taekwondo Instruction 3131 SW College Rd., Ste # 401 | Ocala (352) 269-8046 risingphoenixata.com

HOME

BMW Window Coverings & Decor

GOLDEN SPOON DINER 5400 SW College Rd., #101 | Ocala (352) 300-3999 goldenspoonfl.com goldenspoonocala

BMW WINDOW COVERINGS & DECOR George R Van Natta Plantation Shutters, Blinds, Shades Valances, Draperies, Motorization Office: (352) 694-2300 Cell: (352) 216-0788 bmwwindowcoverings.com

WE BUILT A CALENDAR TO BRING YOU

EVEN MORE THINGS TO DO IN THE 352.

LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE ON OUR ONLINE WEBSITE CALENDAR.

352PREVIEW.COM/EVENT HAVE AN EVENT YOU WANT TO PROMOTE? SUBMIT HERE:

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SEP ‘24

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flora faun and food 26

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rit

ten by melis

s

a

en

ph o

terson pho t

to + film

pe phed by ma ra v og

a, na d

AN OUTDOOR RECREATION AND EDUCATIONAL ECO-TOUR BUSINESS, THE FLORIDA NATURALIST EXPERIENCE SPECIALIZES IN CREATING MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES FOR ANYONE PASSIONATE ABOUT NATURE AND FOOD.

w

hat happens when two outdoor enthusiasts who also have a love for food feel called to share their passion with the community? If you’re Jacquelyne and Ian Henson, you build a business that not only offers hiking adventures throughout our region but, after those hikes, you treat guests to a three-course, gourmet meal right there in the heart of Florida for an overall experience you can’t find anywhere else.

The Florida Naturalist Experience offers a variety of educational outdoor adventures led by certified guides. Owners Jacquelyne and Ian were certified through the University of Florida’s IFAS Extension Florida Master Naturalist Program.

After each of the tours, guests are served a meal prepared by the hired chef company, Bon Voisin Chef. Started in January 2023, the company’s first Hike and Feast event took place in October later that year.

“We wanted to spread awareness of the variety of different environments that Florida has to offer, the flora and fauna that call our beautiful state ‘home’ and the role that every Floridian plays in ensuring that those environments are able to be preserved for the future generations,” says Jacquelyne.

Born and raised in Florida, Jacquelyne and Ian began their outdoorsy backgrounds as volunteers for the Florida Trail Association in October 2020. The FTA is a group of volunteers that maintains the Florida National Scenic Trail, a hiking trail that is 1,400 miles and spans the entire length of the state.

“We fell in love with the volunteer work, as it allowed us to hike and camp in locations all over the state,” says Jacquelyne. “We were referred to UF’s Florida Master Naturalist program by one of the trail managers. We signed up for our first class in March 2022 and became certified SEP ‘24

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Florida Master Naturalists in March 2023. The program strongly suggests to their students to spread the information we’ve learned to as many people as possible, and we decided to start our own company where we could do just that.”

hit the trail

The Florida Naturalist Experience offers both Hike and Feast and Camp and Feast events. The guided educational hike tours are anywhere from two to four miles and are followed by a three-course meal prepared right on-site by the personal chef team. If you’d rather extend the adventure overnight, the camping experience is a weekend-long event.

The hikes, which generally host 10 to 15 people, are beginner friendly with the exception of the hike offered at the Juniper Springs Camp and Feast, which is a longer, approximately seven-mile hike that will require more endurance. But, generally, as long as you’re able to walk for a few hours outdoors, you’re able to attend the Hike and Feast events.

“We are very fortunate in Florida that our typically flat terrain usually allows for easier hiking,” says Jacquelyne, “and we try to plan our hikes to be no longer than two hours so the majority of people are able to attend.”

While there isn’t an age limit for the Hike 28

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and Feast tours and children and families are encouraged to join, all minors must be accompanied by an adult.

“We consider all of our hikes to be appropriate for families,” says Jacquelyne, “although, we are currently working on planning a hike specifically for young children, as we have our own son, Jackson, who will be hiking with us as soon as he is able to. [He’s only 11 months old, currently!] We will likely be offering the children’s hike during fall and winter 2025.”

As hiking enthusiasts in their personal time, Jacquelyne and Ian schedule their tours in all their favorite hiking locations.

“One of my personal favorite hikes is at Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine because the trails are located on top of ancient sand dunes that have since become a mixed coastal hardwood forest,” says Jacquelyne. “This type of environment is becoming increasingly rare to find in Florida, as our coastlines are constantly being developed.”

The Juniper Prairie Wilderness in the Ocala National Forest is another one of their favorite hikes, and this one is only 35 to 45 minutes from town.

“This location is extremely remote and serene, as it is federally protected,” says Jacquelyne. “This trail is the most untouched

piece of nature that exists in this area, and we absolutely love it. We are doing a Hike and Feast at Anastasia State Park and a Camp and Feast at Juniper Springs Campground.”

During the hikes, guides typically point out plants and animals that are both native to Florida as well as invasive. While foraging during the hikes is not encouraged (and in some places doing so would be against the law), guides will point out things that are edible as well as things that are dangerous and should be avoided.

“We also try to take time to talk a little about any historical significance that any given trail may have, as well as any current conservation efforts, land management plans or volunteer events that may be associated with that location,” says Jacquelyne.

The weekend-long Camp and Feast excursions involve hiking, camping and feasting all in one.

Two Camp and Feast events are planned for this season, the first being at Indian Lake State Forest and the second at Juniper Springs Campground.

Both locations have their own established campgrounds with hiking trails accessible from the location. All meals are prepared and served throughout the weekend, and the trip includes a Friday night dinner and campfire snack, all three meals on Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. A longer hiking tour will take place during

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the event. Camping supplies are not provided, and all guests must provide their own tents, sleeping arrangements, hiking gear and any other supplies that are suggested. The goal is to provide these supplies as their business grows.

“While we have a whole schedule planned for the remainder of this year, we are most excited about our Camp and Feast experiences, as it is a new option we are offering our guests this season,” says Jacquelyne. “We are very excited to give our guests an entire weekend experience enjoying the outdoors, and we are thrilled to educate others and hopefully inspire our guests to respect and love nature as much as we do.”

a feast for the famished

The idea of including a post-hike feast started simply because Jacquelyne and Ian are passionate about good food.

“Having been in the hospitality industry for 40 years, our chef team, Bon Voisin Chef personal chef services, works hard to come up with unique menus that can’t be found anywhere else, especially not in an outdoor setting,” says Jacquelyne.

When guests return, cold beverages are waiting, and once everyone is settled in, the three-course feast begins. Hike and Feast tours include an appetizer, a main course and a freshmade dessert. Feasts are prepared on-site by the chefs in their completely portable kitchen. It is then served in the natural setting of the park or campground that the hikers were just exploring.

“Food brings people together, and that’s a part of the experience,” says Jacquelyne. “We want people to connect with each other over nature, and sharing a meal outside is a great way to do that. You have time to recap the sights and sounds from the trail and make new friends. Plus, the food is delicious and makes a perfectly complete day trip or even a first date.”

The meals are themed, but sometimes the connection can be subtle. One recent menu was a “New Classics Feast,” where each course was a classic dish with modern reimagining.

The menus are announced with each location and change regularly. The chefs present each course as it’s being served and talk about the creative process behind each dish. The chefs can handle most dietary requirements and usually only have to make small adjustments.

plan your trip

While some people are able to hike year-round in Florida’s hot climate, due to the high temperatures during May through August, the Florida Naturalist Experience considers September through April to be their “hiking season.”

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“Heat-related illness is the biggest concern to be considered while hiking in Florida, and we want our guests to enjoy their experience exploring the outdoors,” says Jacquelyne. “We encourage guests to bring plenty of water, bug spray and sunscreen, and any medications and personal hygiene items they may need. We typically warn our guests if the particular trail we’re going to be on is very sunny or difficult to traverse, and we also provide guests with a checklist of recommended items.”

Guests can reserve their tour by purchasing a ticket on the website. Once tours are promoted on social media, they tend to book up quickly, so guests are encouraged to check out the tour schedule to see what’s coming up and plan their trips as early as possible.

The cost of the Hike and Feast excursion is $75, with the exception of the Anastasia State Park hike, which costs $95 and includes a delicious seafood menu. Camp and Feast tickets are $300, which includes all meals, snacks and several eco-tour hikes throughout the weekend.

the big idea

With an eye on expansion, Jacquelyne and Ian would like to increase the variety of eco-tours

upcoming schedule hike and feast events:

GREENWAY BASELINE PARK SEPTEMBER 14 MARSHALL SWAMP OCTOBER 5 ANASTASIA STATE PARK NOVEMBER 9 SUNNYHILL RESTORATION AREA NOVEMBER 23 OCKLAWAHA PRAIRIE DECEMBER 21 camp & feast events:

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and activities available to include guests with different abilities or different environmental interests. One way they plan to do this is with future Ride and Feast events, where tours would take guests down off-roading trails with specialized vehicles.

“Guests on these tours will be riding in an open or enclosed off-road-capable SUV for a safari-like experience better suited for smaller children and people who are not physically capable of hiking,” says Ian. “Eco-tours from these off-road vehicles would be conducted responsibly and safely on established and approved forest roads that are meant for such activities as to not create stress to the environment or wildlife. These vehicles would also allow us to shuttle guests across a wider range of land for hikes in multiple locations along with potential activities involving watercraft, fishing excursions and much more.

By working with other local businesses and eco-tour guides, we’d like to make any outdoor activity possible to anyone.”

Giving back to organizations that are doing

their part to protect and conserve Florida’s natural resources and those that made their business possible is also an important goal for Jacquelyne and Ian. “We plan to work with and help allocate resources and money to the Florida Trail Association and the UF Florida Master Naturalist Program as our business grows,” says Ian. “It’s our hope that by doing this, we can do our part as Floridians and business owners to protect our state from the same environmental threats that threaten the entire planet. We believe the most significant way to do that is through education and by instilling a sense of appreciation for nature among the public and the youth while simultaneously giving back to the organizations that do just that.”

The idea of giving back and helping people is something that both Jacquelyne and Ian realized at a young age. In fact, they actually met in middle school and realized early on that they both had a passion for the same ideals.

“We are very proud Floridians, because there really isn’t anywhere else on Earth quite like

the land of flowers,” says Ian. “To see people come from all walks of life and all over the world to take our tours and share new experiences, make new friends and learn about the natural world around them is something that leaves us feeling giddy for weeks. We truly feel that above any other path in life, this is our calling.”

While it might seem foreign to outdoor enthusiasts, there is a certain segment of our population, especially within our youth, that spends very little time immersing themselves in nature. Those are the people that Jacquelyne and Ian hope to reach.

“Humanity is at a bit of a precipice in the wake of the technological revolution,” says Ian. “By immersing ourselves in nature, we take a step back from the hustle and bustle of our modern, tech-ruled lives. We didn’t necessarily choose to live during this time in human history, but here we are and we can’t change that. What we can change is our perspective and what’s important to us. But we’ll only achieve that by instilling an appreciation for it, and that is absolutely going to come down to what nature means to our youth. If they don’t know, they won’t care, and if they don’t care, they won’t protect it. By creating fond memories for adults and children alike, we hope to rekindle the bond we all have within us for the natural world.”

Learn more and purchase your tour tickets at floridanaturalistexperience.square.site.

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Photo courtesy of World Equestrian Center

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his October 5 and 12, the World Equestrian Center’s Expo Center 1 will be transformed into a Munich- and Bavarianstyle street fair.

Traditional food, dress and live music will be on display at this annual celebration of Germany.

“It’s like visiting Germany for a day without ever leaving Ocala,” says Director of Special Events Jeff Fissel. “We will be offering the very best of German Oktoberfest beer and authentic food.”

And let’s talk food for a minute. Boar’s purchase. Purchase a Head bratwurst and commemorative halfknockwurst with liter or one-liter beer sauerkraut, mustard stein, which includes and pickles; warm a complimentary German pretzels first pour. with beer cheese “A cool thing we or mustard, pork are offering this year schnitzel with JEFF FISSEL, WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER is the Florida State cranberry orange DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTS Championship Beer chutney, lemon thyme Stein Holding contest,” roasted chicken, says Jeff. “There are qualifying events across the sauerbraten with red cabbage and spaetzle, Polish pierogis with potato and cheese, sauteed state, including one here at WEC on October 5.

Then the championship will be held on the 12th. onions, crumbled bacon and sour cream; Participants will hold one liter of beer out in front German potato salad, cucumber dill salad, of them for as long as possible.” Sound easy? Sign apple strudel with vanilla bean whipped cream, up and test your strength. In case you’re curious, gingerbread sugar cookies and German double the current women’s record is six minutes and 10 chocolate cake are all on the menu.

And the best part? Your $42 adult admission seconds and the men’s record is 21 minutes and 17 seconds. (ages 13 and up) and $28.50 child admission On Saturday, October 5, the Oktoberfest (ages 5-12) includes all of it! VIP tickets are Schnitzel Shuffle 5K Race by Gary Yeoman’s also available. Beer or alcohol is available for

Ford will begin at 10am.

“You’re going to want to register ahead for this event,” says Jeff. “It’s a timed 5K with a great finishing medal.” Race registration will include your bib, medal and official race T-shirt. Themed attire isn’t required, but it’s definitely encouraged. As an added bonus, your confirmed race registration will come with a discounted Oktoberfest admission ticket.

“We encourage everyone to come out to WEC to enjoy this fun, family-friendly German celebration,” says Jeff. “It’s indoors and out of the Florida weather, and while you’re here you can take in a horse show, visit the shops or check out the restaurants on-site.”

OKTOBERFEST World Equestrian Center, Expo Center 1 October 5, 12 To learn more, purchase tickets or register for the 5K, visit worldequestriancenter.com and click on events.

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CRAVE

TASTY TO-DOS SEPTEMBER 24

FOOD TRUCK NIGHT Head to Avalon Park in Orlando on September 24 for Food Truck Night. The event includes live music on stage and more than 20 food trucks offering a great variety of cuisine options from 5-8pm. Visit avalonparkorlando.com for more.

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UNCORKED: TAMPA WINE FESTIVAL AT WATER WORKS PARK Festival attendees can choose to sample from more than 100 different wines and bubblies from across the world, plus some unique offerings like canned cocktails and spirits. This relaxed event is for those

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21 and up and will also include local food trucks, fun lawn games and dancing to music provided by an expert DJ. Early admission is at 1pm and includes an extra hour of access. General admission opens at 2pm. Both tickets include all wine tastings; food is sold separately.

If back to school schedules and extracurricular activities have you running from one end of town to another and your family living off of concession stand staples, then a meal delivery service may be the way to go.

Fifty recipes to choose from each week, flexible portion sizes and simple-to-follow recipes are what make Hello Fresh a great choice. Forget the grocery runs, visit hellofresh.com instead to have all the pre-measured ingredients delivered right to your door. Choose from categories like family-friendly, veggie, under 20 minutes, fit & wholesome, kid’s meals and more.

If you’d rather heat and eat, check out blueapron.com, where you can order familyfriendly completed meals for about $7 per meal. You can also stop, pause and cancel your subscription at any time.

For a great local option, visit thefierychef.com, where family meals, prepared by popular local chef Loring Felix, are designed to feed four hungry adults. Each entrée includes two pounds of protein, two sides of your choice, salad and four rolls. The meals are offered on an eight-week rotating basis, and Chef Felix uses only the finest ingredients.

If you love cheeseburgers, be on the lookout for Smalls Sliders, which opens this month on State Road 200 in Ocala—just look for the bright orange modular “can.” There was no groundbreaking for this Drew Breesbacked food chain, instead the pre-made, 750-square-foot modular building was placed on existing land. And don’t let the name fool you, Smalls Sliders are big on taste. The options? Made-to-order cheeseburger sliders, grilled cheese sandwiches, waffle fries and milkshakes. Really want to treat yourself? Smother your burger and fries in their famous “smauce.” Check out smallssliders.com for details.

Uncorked Wine Festival photo courtesy of Uncorked Wine Festivals

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